Hig-tech solution for homelessness

A COUNCIL has made moves to protect vulnerable people by introducing a new computer system to help house homeless people.

Darlington Borough Council will introduce an updated database for its Key Point of Access service, which they hope will prevent individuals seeking temporary accommodation from being assessed twice.

The new software will fully manage individual’s cases and hold their records for future use.

It is being provided by Capita Support Services and is expected to be in place within three months.

The Key Point Access service was successfully piloted last year and is run by the council and First Stop Darlington.

Funding has come from the government's Supporting People scheme. Anthony Sandys, housing benefit manager at the council, said: "This will enable vulnerable people in Darlington to receive the services most relevant to them straight away".

"It will save us valuable time and money as housing staff are now no longer required to contact hostels to find a vacancy and there is no need for duplicate assessments."